No he did not need to criticize the coaching staff. Half of the crap he is getting is from his interviews. Cam will lose the battle with the media.If you care about Cam stop rewarding him for actions that will hurt his career.

I can see you at least took the time to read the article and understand what is actually going on.

It's sad that so many don't realize that some of his biggest supporters are the ones doing the biggest damage.

I have been lurking around the forums here for some time and didn't post mainly due to noticing the reactions some people have towards others. Lately I have become offended by so many posters here automatically making racist remarks towards others, while acting racist themselves and making generic racist remarks, such as "whitey being whitey" while using the race card towards anyone that has valid criticism towards Cam Newton. So I figured I should speak my mind and say please do not act like you are not racist yourself because some posters here reek of it.

I was glad to see today at least one black journalist taking some responsibility and pointing out the glaring issue with some of the Cam Newton supporters, like Warren Moon which has been mimicked by plenty of Cam Newton fans, and I believe a lot of people on here should take the time to read this.

You are not doing anyone, including Cam Newton, any favors by constantly attacking anyone that has valid and concerning criticism to say about him. Shielding him from any and all sort of criticism, yes even if you believe it comes from a racist, is only going to coddle him and send the wrong message. The message that everything he is doing is perfectly acceptable and excused due to being young, that very little is his fault, and anything else is simply due to racism.

If the only excuse for Cam Newton's perfomance on the field as well as his behavior and composure during public press conferense is that he is young and immature, then perhaps he is too young and immature to lead a football team of grown men and handle the national media.

Carpantherfan84 here to give the gratuitous "educated, know it all black man" point of view.

The thing that you seem to be missing whiskers is that people are not defending Cam's actions. A lot of his fans black and white will readily admit that his attitude at best needs some improvement. I have yet to hear someone say it doesnt need at least a little tweaking. Most of his fans, black and white have simply noticed that he is receiving an incredibly disproportionate amount of criticism for a minor display of disdain in an overwhelmingly difficult situation for him (I say overwhelming because if it wasn't he would have found a way to win). He hasn't yelled at anyone, he hasnt pushed anyone. He constantly points to hisself as part of the problem and says that his attitude is about his inability to win. Even in the interview his comments about script were about himself if you listen to the whole thing and the sweetheart comment didn't sound condescending to me but it was an insulting question from the reporter. What could he have said to answer that? If he knew he would have done it on the field. Granted a more media savvy veteran leader would have deflected that question expertly but even they would have had to be taught that skill at some point in their life. There are plenty of reasons that could explain the media point of view, #1 pick etc... But when coupled with the fact that they constantly compare him only to black QB's specifically ones that have failed at the QB position it gives people pause as to their motives. The media DEFINITELY has no credibility when claiming race doesn't play a part in their coverage, decisions, debate whatever. So it is perfectly normal for people to draw the conclusion that his criticism is racially motivated. Now whether or not it is true doesn't really matter, but as someone who truly wants the country to heal from the effects of slavery and the subsequent century of bigotry and mistreatment of blacks I firmly believe the conversation has to be had. Not so we can identify and ridicule racists. I dont really care who is racist we have gotten to the point in society that it really is of no meaning to be racist other than it is a minor inconvenience when meeting new people. But if we are eventually going to eliminate we atleast have to feel free to talk about it, question our eyes and formulate intelligent opinions on what we see.By all means disagree, but keep the conversation openminded.

I'm sick of those that berate Cam Newton always complaining that they are being so disrespected because not everyone agrees with their opinions. It's a weak cop out, quit acting like a female and man up.

This is a board for discussion, so don't be shocked and butt hurt if we think you're a moron.

Carpantherfan84 here to give the gratuitous "educated, know it all black man" point of view.

The thing that you seem to be missing whiskers is that people are not defending Cam's actions. A lot of his fans black and white will readily admit that his attitude at best needs some improvement. I have yet to hear someone say it doesnt need at least a little tweaking. Most of his fans, black and white have simply noticed that he is receiving an incredibly disproportionate amount of criticism for a minor display of disdain in an overwhelmingly difficult situation for him (I say overwhelming because if it wasn't he would have found a way to win). He hasn't yelled at anyone, he hasnt pushed anyone. He constantly points to hisself as part of the problem and says that his attitude is about his inability to win. Even in the interview his comments about script were about himself if you listen to the whole thing and the sweetheart comment didn't sound condescending to me but it was an insulting question from the reporter. What could he have said to answer that? If he knew he would have done it on the field. Granted a more media savvy veteran leader would have deflected that question expertly but even they would have had to be taught that skill at some point in their life. There are plenty of reasons that could explain the media point of view, #1 pick etc... But when coupled with the fact that they constantly compare him only to black QB's specifically ones that have failed at the QB position it gives people pause as to their motives. The media DEFINITELY has no credibility when claiming race doesn't play a part in their coverage, decisions, debate whatever. So it is perfectly normal for people to draw the conclusion that his criticism is racially motivated. Now whether or not it is true doesn't really matter, but as someone who truly wants the country to heal from the effects of slavery and the subsequent century of bigotry and mistreatment of blacks I firmly believe the conversation has to be had. Not so we can identify and ridicule racists. I dont really care who is racist we have gotten to the point in society that it really is of no meaning to be racist other than it is a minor inconvenience when meeting new people. But if we are eventually going to eliminate we atleast have to feel free to talk about it, question our eyes and formulate intelligent opinions on what we see.By all means disagree, but keep the conversation openminded.

Okay that is all.

I wasn't sure I wanted to post again, but since you replied to me nicely, sure Carpanther84, that can be a discussion to be had. But before we can even have such a discussion you need to be able to state the facts and the truth and a lot of your post is filled with incorrect information. So can I, as an educated white woman, also give you my take and restate some facts?

-Cam Newton has in fact cursed out his teammate Greg Olsen, and it was well documented just a few games in as a rookie.-He has called out his teammates for being "losers", and wanting to change the "losing mentality". A mature leader would realize it requires the entire team to do this, and you don't usually get that change by calling them out like that, separating himself from his "loser teammates", especially as a rookie.-His own teammates have called him out because of his behavior. Obviously it's not just the "racist" media that has an issue with his sulking, but so does Steve Smith. And last time I checked he is black and his main weapon offensively. The reason Smith called him out is once again because he was separating himself, when we are down late in the game, from the rest of his team. This is the time they actually need him most to be strong and stand by them until the end. Do you not think it's possible his late game sulking and our inability to close games are related?

Most of the extra attention he is getting from the media, is because he brings it to himself by offering them so much extra and unnecessary dialogue that simply shouldn't be said, especially when you are losing.

The reporter only asked him what it would take to put this "dominance", which he himself alluded to wanting to display, on the field. In what shape or form is that insulting, and deserves a condescending remark?

To give you insight of why it is condescending, it's because no grown woman like myself and that reporter wants to be called "sweetheart" by a 23 year old boy in a professional setting. And I would personally hope to see the "domination" he desires on display on the field, not through poor choice of words towards female reporters in the press conference room. That seems more like a boy with poor self control, not a dominant leader of men. But even a 23 year old, especially one who went to college, should be able to understand why that would be insulting to a woman. Football isn't just for men. We women watch it too and like to keep up with the team and some of us report on it as well. But you don't have to take it from a white woman. Have a look at other women's take such as Jemele Hill, an african american reporter, from ESPN. We both share similar feelings on this topic. http://espn.go.com/n...m-newton"newton

As far as comparisons, if you are referring to reporters like Stephen A Smith comparing Cam to Vince Young, I agree, he can be considered having a racial bias, has made little effort to hide it, and he has made a career of going far beyond his journalistic duty to remain objective in his support of athletes. But you have it backwards. He is black and he supports black athletes so your argument makes little sense because it's not just the white media that's criticizing him on the SAME points.

Now I have given you some facts as well as not 1, not 2, but 3 examples of very popular African American media personalities and African American players that all share the same sentiments and similar criticisms. And I would argue they are a little bit more up to date on current culture than Warren Moon.

-When the first criticisms came out, you might be able to pull up the race card, and use it once or twice.-When well known black media personalities join in, especially those known to have strong support for black athletes also echo the same criticism, it's probably time to at least put down that card. Unless you believe they are all just a bunch of Uncle Toms and Aunt Tammies.-Finally, when black and white women, also join in and write pieces that we both feel offended by the comments, maybe, just maybe, there might be a lot of truth to what is being said, and we are not all just a bunch of uneducated racist hicks?

Now I will not comment on your personal beliefs on the effects of slavery, because neither you nor I can be sure just how much of an effect it has on Cam Newton's personal life. I will say though that he was born in 1989, not 1939, and it looks to me like he has had the same opportunities as a white boy or any other race in America. He was, after all, the #1 draft pick, to a southern state team no less, and is currently a 23 year old multi millionaire, is he not? Doesn't sound too bad to me. I can assure you however, that I also experience the effects of prejudice not so much due to race, but as a woman, day to day in our culture. And Cam certainly has shown through his comments he's not very sensitive himself to this wrong doing.

Bottom line?

Some of this wouldn't matter if we were winning, but some of it would still need to change. But when you are losing, and you say things like that, what do you expect? It won't win you fans anywhere, including on your own team. It certainly didn't win me over, and in fact, I'm sure his comments only make it harder and more tiresome for Cam Newton fans like yourself to have to defend from women like me. But you won't get anyone on Cam's side if you call them racist for pointing out what they believe to be valid criticism. So if the amount of criticism seems disproportionate to you, perhaps it's because it's gotten to the point where it's not just a couple of racist bigots in the media saying these things, but it’s the white media, black media, and now black and white women as well. Even if some believe we have no credibility to criticize Cam Newton because we're all a bunch of racist...

I'm sick of those that berate Cam Newton always complaining that they are being so disrespected because not everyone agrees with their opinions. It's a weak cop out, quit acting like a female and man up.

This is a board for discussion, so don't be shocked and butt hurt if we think you're a moron.

...or worse, if we're just a bunch of "butthurt, moron females that need to man up". No thanks!

What we should all be asking, is how come Sam Bradford isn't being criticized for being a bust?

I mean he was the #1 overall pick before Cam and unlike Cam he received a MAJOR paycheck for it. When I said MAJOR, I meant the largest contract for a rookie ever! Over 50 million in guarantees. More money should equal HIGHER expectations. Yet this guy has done absolutely nothing to warrant no nationwide media criticism. Yes he was injured for a season. But I'm speaking about this year, the same as Cam. His numbers are identical to Cam's, yet he's 1 year older and paid a king's ransom salary.

How about Alex Smith? The guy was going 6 years strong with only ONE 300 yard passing game, 6 years! And yet no media frenzy surrounding him. Not to mention he did criticize his HEAD COACH, Mike Nolan, publicly.

Anyways the main reason IMO for the clear disproportionate criticism for Cam is hate. I haven't forgotten all the hate for Cam from the Media, before last September. After that record breaking season, a lot of those pricks went into hiding and have been waiting for a chance to blend into the feeding frenzy, unopposed.

Here is what makes me uneasy.. Jay Cutler pushes teammates, flips the bird and is known for having a terrible attitude and oh BTW he has a slightly lower QB rating than Cam and yet "experts" just laugh him off and forget about it. Matthew Stafford, also a 1st overall pick is playing terrible after coming off a great season, and you dont hear a single peep about him. Speaking as a white male, i do sense some racial undertones here.

Before you jump pn me saying im playing the race card, first think about something.. If Cam Newton was caught pushing his teammates, flipping the bird to a cameraman, yelling "get the F off my field". What do you think the uproar would be? Cam is getting bashed to hell for calling a reporter sweetheart? Lol come on guys, stop being naive and call a spade a spade here. BTW, IM WHITE and I even see it.

What we should all be asking, is how come Sam Bradford isn't being criticized for being a bust?

I mean he was the #1 overall pick before Cam and unlike Cam he received a MAJOR paycheck for it. When I said MAJOR, I meant the largest contract for a rookie ever! Over 50 million in guarantees. More money should equal HIGHER expectations. Yet this guy has done absolutely nothing to warrant no nationwide media criticism. Yes he was injured for a season. But I'm speaking about this year, the same as Cam. His numbers are identical to Cam's, yet he's 1 year older and paid a king's ransom salary.

How about Alex Smith? The guy was going 6 years strong with only ONE 300 yard passing game, 6 years! And yet no media frenzy surrounding him. Not to mention he did criticize his HEAD COACH, Mike Nolan, publicly.

Anyways the reason IMO for the clear disproportionate criticism for Cam is hate not race. I haven't forgotten all the hate for Cam from the Media, before last September. After that record breaking season, a lot of those pricks went into hiding and have been waiting for a chance to blend into the feeding frenzy, unopposed.

I agree 100%. I call it the sub conscious "black tax". I really dont want to get political here but take Obama for example. When we killed Bin Laden, Obama only got a 5 point bump in the polls.. Wanna know what Bush got when we caught Saddam Hussein? A 25 point bump in the polls, yes you heard that right. 25 point bounce!

The black tax is basicially no matter what good a black leader does, it is NEVER quite good enough. Its why Bradford playing terrible goes under the radar, its why Aaron Rodgers can push a cameraman after the Seahawks game and noone says a peep, its why Jay Cutler flips off a cameraman and ESPN laughs it off, its why Matt Ryan gets caught yelling "Get the F off my field" and not a word is said...

Cam calls a reporter sweetheart and all of a sudden the pitchforks come out, and he is suddenly Vince Young 2.0 Im sorry but if you dont see racial undertones, you are in denial.

I wasn't sure I wanted to post again, but since you replied to me nicely, sure Carpanther84, that can be a discussion to be had. But before we can even have such a discussion you need to be able to state the facts and the truth and a lot of your post is filled with incorrect information. So can I, as an educated white woman, also give you my take and restate some facts?

-Cam Newton has in fact cursed out his teammate Greg Olsen, and it was well documented just a few games in as a rookie.-He has called out his teammates for being "losers", and wanting to change the "losing mentality". A mature leader would realize it requires the entire team to do this, and you don't usually get that change by calling them out like that, separating himself from his "loser teammates", especially as a rookie.-His own teammates have called him out because of his behavior. Obviously it's not just the "racist" media that has an issue with his sulking, but so does Steve Smith. And last time I checked he is black and his main weapon offensively. The reason Smith called him out is once again because he was separating himself, when we are down late in the game, from the rest of his team. This is the time they actually need him most to be strong and stand by them until the end. Do you not think it's possible his late game sulking and our inability to close games are related?

Most of the extra attention he is getting from the media, is because he brings it to himself by offering them so much extra and unnecessary dialogue that simply shouldn't be said, especially when you are losing.

The reporter only asked him what it would take to put this "dominance", which he himself alluded to wanting to display, on the field. In what shape or form is that insulting, and deserves a condescending remark?

To give you insight of why it is condescending, it's because no grown woman like myself and that reporter wants to be called "sweetheart" by a 23 year old boy in a professional setting. And I would personally hope to see the "domination" he desires on display on the field, not through poor choice of words towards female reporters in the press conference room. That seems more like a boy with poor self control, not a dominant leader of men. But even a 23 year old, especially one who went to college, should be able to understand why that would be insulting to a woman. Football isn't just for men. We women watch it too and like to keep up with the team and some of us report on it as well. But you don't have to take it from a white woman. Have a look at other women's take such as Jemele Hill, an african american reporter, from ESPN. We both share similar feelings on this topic. http://espn.go.com/n...m-newton"newton

As far as comparisons, if you are referring to reporters like Stephen A Smith comparing Cam to Vince Young, I agree, he can be considered having a racial bias, has made little effort to hide it, and he has made a career of going far beyond his journalistic duty to remain objective in his support of athletes. But you have it backwards. He is black and he supports black athletes so your argument makes little sense because it's not just the white media that's criticizing him on the SAME points.

Now I have given you some facts as well as not 1, not 2, but 3 examples of very popular African American media personalities and African American players that all share the same sentiments and similar criticisms. And I would argue they are a little bit more up to date on current culture than Warren Moon.

-When the first criticisms came out, you might be able to pull up the race card, and use it once or twice.-When well known black media personalities join in, especially those known to have strong support for black athletes also echo the same criticism, it's probably time to at least put down that card. Unless you believe they are all just a bunch of Uncle Toms and Aunt Tammies.-Finally, when black and white women, also join in and write pieces that we both feel offended by the comments, maybe, just maybe, there might be a lot of truth to what is being said, and we are not all just a bunch of uneducated racist hicks?

Now I will not comment on your personal beliefs on the effects of slavery, because neither you nor I can be sure just how much of an effect it has on Cam Newton's personal life. I will say though that he was born in 1989, not 1939, and it looks to me like he has had the same opportunities as a white boy or any other race in America. He was, after all, the #1 draft pick, to a southern state team no less, and is currently a 23 year old multi millionaire, is he not? Doesn't sound too bad to me. I can assure you however, that I also experience the effects of prejudice not so much due to race, but as a woman, day to day in our culture. And Cam certainly has shown through his comments he's not very sensitive himself to this wrong doing.

Bottom line?

Some of this wouldn't matter if we were winning, but some of it would still need to change. But when you are losing, and you say things like that, what do you expect? It won't win you fans anywhere, including on your own team. It certainly didn't win me over, and in fact, I'm sure his comments only make it harder and more tiresome for Cam Newton fans like yourself to have to defend from women like me. But you won't get anyone on Cam's side if you call them racist for pointing out what they believe to be valid criticism. So if the amount of criticism seems disproportionate to you, perhaps it's because it's gotten to the point where it's not just a couple of racist bigots in the media saying these things, but it’s the white media, black media, and now black and white women as well. Even if some believe we have no credibility to criticize Cam Newton because we're all a bunch of racist...

...or worse, if we're just a bunch of "butthurt, moron females that need to man up". No thanks!

The hypocrisy of you feeling the need to suggest to me that I am refusing to acknowledge what you feel is sexism from Cam Newton towards some female reporter, while arguing with me that I shouldn't speak about racism against Cam is laughable.

Now to your points. Re-read my post. I never said that a certain group of people are feeling a certain way because of their race. I didn't defend his sideline demeanor (personally, I like it.) Im tired of all this leadership this and leadership that. The team sucks, the playcalling sucks, the game management sucks, his play sucks. OF COURSE he should be calling people out. The leader should demand excellence from his people. I would have shouted at Greg Olsen to for what he said. I didn't say shouting was right or wrong. I said that some people get away with it. Cam for whatever reason seems to be on eggshells. I will concede that he is not being a dominant leader of men. That would require a lot more shouting than Cam is doing.

Racism in sports exists. ADMIT IT!!!! Its part of the healing process. Sexism exists in sports. I will freely admit that. I don't like either one. Does that make you happy? However, accusing someone of racism is not racist. If you say that you are an idiot. Im sorry. Not calling you an idiot dont know you personally but the statement is idiotic. Cam is experiencing a racial bias in the media. Media outlets, in particular ESPN, (hate them, black and white male and female) are definitely biased when covering athletes. Its their job to make inflammatory statements to sell ad space. They have no credibility when it comes to discussing sensitive subjects and they should never be quoted when making a serious argument either way. They speak nonsense on purpose. Warren Moon was spot on when saying that Cam is only compared to other black athletes, in particular ones that are unpopular. He is not wrong in calling people out on that. Lots of people black and white, male and female agree with Warren, lots don't. Got it. But dismissing him because he is a black man talking about racism, well...Thats_racist.gif116.98KB2 downloads